The summer heat used to offer a seasonal reprieve from viral pressure, but 2026 is proving that viruses don’t take vacations. With porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) positivity continuing to be relatively high and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) above expected levels in June, producers are being urged to rethink every ‘layer’ of their operation—from transport sanitation to the movement of labor across sites.
Swine health experts share the biggest health surprises of the year so far and the specific, high-stakes gaps in biosecurity that are currently leaving herds vulnerable. Whether you are managing endemic pathogens or preparing for foreign animal disease threats, this conversation between Megan Bollin, DVM and technical services veterinarian at Norbrook, Micah Jansen, DVM and director of the Zoetis U.S. Pork Technical Services; and Brooke Kitting, DVM and senior veterinarian at Seaboard Foods offers a roadmap for protecting your bottom line.
What diseases are causing the most concern in your area right now?
Bollin: PRRSV remains No. 1 in western Illinois and is especially difficult to manage due to its heightened virulence and enhanced transmission dynamics. Consequently, depopulation strategies continue to be evaluated earlier in the course of outbreaks than in previous years. Early and repeated viral sequencing has become an essential component of outbreak management to identify trends toward divergence, which is characteristic of highly pathogenic, rapidly evolving lineages. These insights are critical for making timely, informed decisions that optimize control efforts and minimize both health and economic impacts.
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